The Taming of the Shrew (1962 film) explained

Based On:play The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
Director:Alan Burke
Starring:Ron Haddrick
Country:Australia
Language:English
Released: (Sydney)
Released2: (Melbourne)[1]
Released3: (Brisbane)[2]

The Taming of the Shrew is a 1962 Australian television play, adapted by Alan Burke from the play by William Shakespeare. It stars Ron Haddrick and Brigid Lenihan.[3]

The play was done live but it included some filmed sequences shot in Centennial Park.[4] [5]

Australian TV drama was relatively rare at the time.[3]

Cast

Production

Alan Burke called the play "brilliantly theatrical. It plays like an express train and takes everyone with it." Burke said in adapting the play for television "I did a lot of work on the play - and fond that sub plots and prologue take up almost two thirds of the running time. We have trimmmed it back to about one third of the total length and the play now goes like a dream with the principals were strong and clear."[2]

Geoffrey Wedlock did the sets. The costumes and decor were from the mid 17th century. It was Alan Burke's 14th play (he had also done 8 operas and musicals) and second Shakesepare adaptation on TV.[2]

Reception

The Bulletin praised the acting.[6]

The Sydney Morning Herald called it "a cheerfully handsome achievement."[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: The Age. 1 September 1962. Advertisement. 7.
  2. TV Times. A good spanking. 6 September 1962. 20. Kevon. Kemp.
  3. Stephen. Vagg. 60 Australian TV Plays of the 1950s & ‘60s. Filmink. February 18, 2019.
  4. News: 13 August 1962. 14. Shakespeare Play Adapted. Sydney Morning Herald.
  5. Web site: Conversation with Ruth Page. 2005. ABC at Gore Hill.
  6. The Bulletin. Frank. Roberts. TELEVISION HIGH HUMOR, DEEP DRAMA . September 8, 1962. 32.
  7. News: Sydney Morning Herald. 9. 23 August 1962. "The Taming of the Shrew" Televised.